Are hybrid makeup products worth the hype?

2022 was all about efficient beauty. Buying less but buying better. Gone are the times of the celebrated 10-step skincare routines—remember the risk of over stimulating your skin when not done right—and more and more people are swapping excessive consumption with conscious consumption. Add to that the “clean girl” aesthetic that is in. The no-makeup makeup look is a definite trend we are carrying to the new year, which not only means achieving that with makeup, but also choosing good skincare over makeup for a more natural minimal look. And if that’s what you are going for, could there be anything better than hybrid beauty products? Not to say that makeup is bad for your skin, it hasn’t been proven so, but why wouldn’t you choose makeup that also does the job of skincare! 

Remember Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint, which took the beauty world by storm in 2020? Skincare that doubles up as makeup and vice versa is just the multitasking we are looking for. And a good hybrid product gives you the long term benefits of skincare while also offering the look of weightless makeup that can go the whole day. Any makeup artist will tell you of the symbiotic relationship between makeup and skincare—in fact, it may be impossible to achieve great makeup without great skincare—and it is this understanding that has led to the creation of hybrid products that blend the artistry of makeup with the science of skincare. Which ones are the best? Well, here is a download.

Laniege Glowy Makeup Serum

Say hello to instantly bright, dewy skin with this one. The ceramide-packed moisturise, which can also be used as a primer, hydrates skin and strengthens the skin barrier all while giving it an illuminating glow thanks to its diamond mineral powder. Who needs highlighter anymore?

₹1,805

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40

With an 'active skin energising complex', this one is one of the original hybrids that revives tired complexions while adding radiant coverage. To say nothing of the SPF40 that it has, making it a perfect defence against environmental aggressors. 

₹6,700

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup

This one has to be the go-to for those complaining of acne. With salicylic acid—the ingredient for acne fighting—the oil-free formula in this foundation blends away blemishes and redness without completely blocking out the skin and causing build up. 

₹2,650

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk

A  lipstick-gloss-balm hybrid that plumps the lips with hyaluronic acid, anti-ages with peptides, adds hydration with butters, and the blush of a pigment—there is little that this one won’t do for your lips. And of course we recommend the iconic shade pillow talk! 

₹3,150

BareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Brow Gel

Now who is going to say no to a brow gel that not only makes your eyebrow look instantly fuller but also helps them naturally thicker over time? The peptide-rich formula in this one stimulates growth and the pigmented formula gives the illusion of denser brows. 

₹1,801

Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

With a naturally-derived antioxidant protocatechuic acid from red camellia, this one has antioxidant properties that are bound to soften and plump, while aiding skin barrier function. And it has six shades to pick from in a soft cream formula that melts into your skin.

₹3,785

Saie Sun Melt Cream-Balm Bronzer

For that perfect sun-kissed look—this lightweight bronzer, with a blend of collodial oatmeal that helps soothe and smooth the skin, grape seed oil that  hydrates and packs an antioxidant punch, and elderberry extract that helps balance the skin’s microbiome, is just what you need for that glossy glow.

₹2,644

Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Color

A highly pigmented cream infused with squalane to hydrate and plump the skin, this formula also has the addition of marine ferment extract that helps to balance oil production. A cream blush, in 11 longwear shades, is a definite colour contender. 

₹2,500